According to a knowledgeable government source, the Ministry of General Administration (MoGA) is preparing to forward the proposal to the cabinet. As per the proposal, the division would have 25 army personnel, including five officers.[break]
“The division would assist the defense ministry and its officials in planning and executing defense related issues,” said a knowledgeable source. He said that the division will work as the MoD´s advisory body. “The division will assist the ministry in taking decisions on the procurement of arms and logistics for the NA.”
MoD officials were reluctant to comment on the issue. “The issue has not yet matured and it would be too early to comment on it,” Defense Secretary Nabin Ghimire told Republica.
Initially, the Nepal Army and the MoD had proposed appointing one army officer in all the divisions of the ministry. “The Nepal Army was compelled to revise the proposal following objection from the office of the prime minister, ministry of general administration and the ministry of finance,” said the source, adding, “Some crucial issues, including the long-term impact of the formation of such a division, are yet to be sorted out.”
Some government secretaries have taken strong exception to the proposal arguing that the ministry should be run by civilian authorities.
“Giving military officials access to the ministry is unheard of in a democratic set up,” argued a government secretary requesting anonymity. He said that formation of such a division would not augur well for the country.
However, others argue that the proposal is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the defense ministry.
“The division will bridge the gap between the defense ministry and the Nepal Army,” said an MoD official, adding, “The plan has come at the right time. Such a practice is prevalent even in the developed countries like the US, the UK, China and India.”
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